SYLLABUS (As per NEP-2020)
Common Paper for B.C.A. / B.B.A. / B.A. / B.Com. / B.Sc.

UNIT-I

Introduction to Environmental Studies: Multidisciplinary nature of environmental studies. Scope and importance; Concept of sustainability and sustainable development.
Ecosystems: Introduction, types, characteristic features, structure and function of the following ecosystem: a. Forest ecosystem b. Grassland ecosystem c. Desert ecosystem d. Aquatic ecosystems (ponds, streams, lakes, rivers, oceans, estuaries)

UNIT-II

Renewable and non-renewable resources: Natural resources and associated problems. a) Forest resources: Use and over-exploitation, deforestation. Timber extraction, mining, dams and their effects on forest and tribal people. b) Water resources: Use and over-utilization of surface and ground water, floods, drought, conflicts over water, dams-benefits and problems. c) Mineral resources: Use and exploitation, environmental effects of extracting and using mineral resources. d) Food resources: World food problems, changes caused by agriculture and overgrazing, effects of modern agriculture, fertilizer-pesticide problems, water logging, salinity, case studies. e) Energy resources: Growing energy needs, renewable and non-renewable energy sources, use of alternate energy sources. f) Land resources: Land as a resource, land degradation, man induced landslides, soil erosion and desertification. Role of an individual in conservation of natural resources. Equitable use of resources for sustainable lifestyles.

UNIT-III

Biodiversity and its conservation: Introduction – Definition: genetic, species and ecosystem diversity. Biogeographical classification of India. Value of biodiversity: consumptive use, productive use, social, ethical, aesthetic and option values Biodiversity at global, National and local levels. Hotspots of biodiversity. Threats to biodiversity: habitat loss, poaching of wildlife, man-wildlife conflicts. Endangered and endemic species of India. Conservation of biodiversity: In-situ and Ex-situ conservation of biodiversity.

UNIT-IV

Environmental Pollution: Definition, Cause, effects and control measures of:- a. Air pollution b. Water pollution c. Soil pollution d. Marine pollution e. Noise pollution f. Thermal pollution g. Nuclear hazards h. Solid waste. Role of an individual in prevention of pollution.
Disaster management: Floods, earthquake, cyclone and landslides. Water Conservation and its strategies. Climate change – green house gases, acid rain and global warming.